I was wondering how does a programer create additional power? I know this is kind of a dumb question but how does it do it? Does a programer just adjust the air to fuel ratio or something? Also how much can these things do? I mean what level of tuning can they do? I mean when you toss in a big cam I know you are suppose to do some major tuning and I was wondering could one of these little things do it? Sorry for asking so many question on the subject guys but my parents might get me one for Christmas. I would like them to help me pay for a CC306 or stuff to go with it like some rockers. :-) But they said they won't buy nothing like that but for some reason they will pay for a programmer? Also it seems that they make really only two different ones for my car, the superchips and the Hypertech, which one is better (if you know some other brands let me know)?

Thanks for the help,

Chris

 

Appears that by "programmer" you mean the little "add-on" units like the one from JET, or the "power programmer" from Hypertech. As far as "creating additional power"... they don't really add much at all. The LT1 is fairly agressively tuned from the factory. You can maybe add a degree or two of spark advance at some locations, and it generally helps to lean out the target A/F ratio at wide open throttle (WOT), but the results you get out of the Hypertech or JET will not justify the high cost. Replacing the stock 180degF thermostat with a 160degF 'stat, resetting the fan on/off temperatures, and adding a few degrees of timing seems to be the best scenario for the Hyupertech, and that's probably not worth more than 10HP on a reasonably "stock" engine. It does not respond well to modifications, unless you order a "custom tuning cartridge" to match your mods.

The Hypertech is usefull for changing rear axle ratio, adjusting for different tire sizes, the aforementioned fan on/off temps, and tweeking shift points in an automatic (A4). So, it that's all you need, find a "used" unit for less than $200. (Just make sure the original owner had returned his PCM to "stock", or the programmer will not work on your PCM).

A better approach is to wait until you have enough significant mods to require "tuning"... a cam change would be one of those.... and have your PCM "tuned" by one of the mail order services... pcmforless, Ed Wright, etc. Or, get some "tuning" software, like LT1_Edit, and make your own adjustments for things like gear changes, as well as changes to the fuel and spark tables.